Update re the brief discussion about the status of raising backyard chickens in Oshawa at Monday's Corporate Services Committee meeting.
Staff has since reported back to members of Council that "Chickens are listed as a PROHIBITED animal under Schedule “A” of the Responsible Pet Owner’s By-law except where they are kept in an agricultural zone as part of a normal farm practice.
The Schedule “A” (Prohibited Animals List) was reviewed most recently in 2012 further to extensive public education and review by a panel of independent experts as outlined in Report CORP-12-263-CM.
Also as information:
• In August 2019, The University of Guelph conducted a study in collaboration with the province (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs) on the issue of backyard chickens and found that “many Ontario backyard birds are carrying dangerous pathogens, and a significant number of flock owners are not following proper hygiene practices.”
• Toronto’s Urban Hens TO Program is due to conclude in March 2021. We will monitor for significant developments and new learning.
Oshawa Municipal Law Enforcement receives an average of 5 complaints per year about the alleged keeping of chickens. If chickens are found, they are relocated further to education of the property owner and files are closed."
Staff has since reported back to members of Council that "Chickens are listed as a PROHIBITED animal under Schedule “A” of the Responsible Pet Owner’s By-law except where they are kept in an agricultural zone as part of a normal farm practice.
The Schedule “A” (Prohibited Animals List) was reviewed most recently in 2012 further to extensive public education and review by a panel of independent experts as outlined in Report CORP-12-263-CM.
Also as information:
• In August 2019, The University of Guelph conducted a study in collaboration with the province (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs) on the issue of backyard chickens and found that “many Ontario backyard birds are carrying dangerous pathogens, and a significant number of flock owners are not following proper hygiene practices.”
• Toronto’s Urban Hens TO Program is due to conclude in March 2021. We will monitor for significant developments and new learning.
Oshawa Municipal Law Enforcement receives an average of 5 complaints per year about the alleged keeping of chickens. If chickens are found, they are relocated further to education of the property owner and files are closed."
